In fact, I've been reading about the big cons (1) of going with traditional publishers for many years now, here on HN, as well as elsewhere.
IMO, it's analogous to the VC-backed startup lottery, where the few bosses (VCs) take on less risk and win big (think "ten-bagger", etc.), and the slaves, aka noobs (startup employees, except, rarely, for founders) take on more risk and lose bigger.
And still the gullible ones keep on coming, like lemmings, due to the brainwashing that goes inexorably on.
Been in both scenarios.
Another good analogy is the gold rushes like California and Klondike, you know, "picks and shovels".
IMO, it's analogous to the VC-backed startup lottery, where the few bosses (VCs) take on less risk and win big (think "ten-bagger", etc.), and the slaves, aka noobs (startup employees, except, rarely, for founders) take on more risk and lose bigger.
And still the gullible ones keep on coming, like lemmings, due to the brainwashing that goes inexorably on.
Been in both scenarios.
Another good analogy is the gold rushes like California and Klondike, you know, "picks and shovels".
(1) Pun intended.